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Health Screenings

Recognizing the important relationship between vision and the learning process, the 68th Texas legislature passed the Vision and Hearing Screening Program, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 36. One purpose of the Act is to identify those children in need of professional vision and hearing examinations. As a part of comprehensive preschool and school health programming, vision and hearing screening is aimed at detecting problems which could limit the child's educational opportunities. (Texas State Department of Health and Human Services). Therefore, in accordance with the state mandated law, Cedar Hill ISD's Health Service Department will be conducting the following screenings:

Vision and Hearing

Thesescreenings are to be conducted with-in 120 days of school entrance for students in K thru 7th grade - specifically grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7th. Also those students new to the district and new to the state K- 12th. For information visit: https://dshs.texas.gov/vhs/vision-require.aspx

Spinal (Scoliosis)

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Spinal Screening Program was established by the Texas Legislature to detect abnormal spinal curvature in students. In compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all children shall undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:

  • Girls will be screened two times, once at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and again at age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7).
  • Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of grade 8).

Exceptions and Exemption:

Students may be exempted from screening if they under medical treatment by a licensed Texas physician and is on file in the school clinic. Texas law does allow for this screening to be performed by your private physician if you desire. If so, please submit a physician's note as proof of examination within 30 days of the original screening date to the school clinic for state and district records. Or if for religious reasons you would prefer they not be screened, then submit an affidavit that must be signed by the parent/guardian prior to or on the day of screening. Please note that students are subject to being withdrawn with one of these notifications.  

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN or Antes)

This is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. It is a signal that high insulin levels are in the body which maybe a precursor for developing diabetes. The affected skin can become thickened. Most often, it affects the back of your neck, armpits, groin and knuckles. The 77th Texas Legislature passed it into law that school district had to screen for this condition. This is screened at the same levels and time for vision and hearing - 1, 3, 5, and 7th grades.

All screening are mandated and done in accordance with Texas State Law Guidelines. If there should be any abnormal findings the school health services staff will notify by mail, email or both.